by DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM
Theatre Jacksonville concluded its 93rd season with its annual membership meeting and volunteer awards on Sunday August 4th, at the 927 Events venue. This was the first time the TJ has held its awards ceremony at this location. Located at 927 West Forsyth Street , just one block from the Convention Center, it has been open for one year and is the hot spot in downtown to meet, celebrate, and play.
As the theatre folks arrived they were greeted a delightful spread of interesting food created by Chef Chriss and her staff.
Robert Ledoux, the outgoing President of Theatre Jacksonville, presented a recap of the 2012-2013 season. It was an excellent year, artistically and financially, said the beaming Bob Ledoux. Thanks to a hard working board and Executive Director, and with the assistance of corporate sponsors, subscribers, and friends of the theatre, Theatre Jacksonville has no long term or short term debt and is in the black. One of the highlights of this year was a special readers theatre production of “Steel Magnolias” which brought in $30,000 dollars and was held in honor of Delores and Wayne Weaver for their generous donation toward building renovations.
Jennifer Mansfield, who held the position of Vice President this year, was elected by the membership as President for the 2013-2014 season. Theatre Jacksonville’s Executive Director Sarah Boone presented Mr. Ledoux with his own special director’s chair for his service to TJ, and then began presenting the awards to the volunteers who contributed over 14,000 hours this past season. Thanks to the contributions of local merchants in goods and services, over 20 door prizes were given out by Ms. Boone to a very grateful audience.
Receiving Awards for the 2012-2013 Season were:
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS:
Front of House – Jerry Steckloff and Dan Weinstock
Technical and Backstage Support– Robin Bruce
Outstanding Teen Volunteer – Emily Poehlman
Outstanding All Around Volunteer – Michelle Simkulet
Outstanding Business Partner Award: Omni Jacksonville Hotel:
Special Recognition: Dick Kerekes for 34 years of community arts support as the Watch Hound
Outstanding performances in an ensemble production: “Forbidden Broadway”
Daniel Austin, Kathy Sanders, Katie Swider, Brandon Mayes , David Jon Davis,
Rachel Organes, Juliet Fixel, Sean Segerstrom, Staci Grant, Michael Fritton
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a supporting role
Judy Gould, as Roz Keith in “9 to 5, The Musical”
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a supporting role
Charles Bäck, as Claude Reviere/Charlie in “Is He Dead?”
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a leading role
Josh Waller as Millet/Widow in “Is He Dead?”
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a leading role
Sara Beth Gerard as Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5, The Musical”
Outstanding Set: David Dawson for “The Triangle Factory Fire Project”
Outstanding properties, set dressing: “Rumors” – with Special thank you to Cort Furniture
Outstanding Costumes: Tracy Olin for “Is He Dead?”
Outstanding lighting design: David Dawson for “The Triangle Factory Fire Project”
Outstanding Production of the season: “Forbidden Broadway: Greatest Hits”
by Lee Hamby, Director and Laura Peden, Musical Director
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